I'm an LA-based writer and management consultant. I was an adviser and editor for many years for the father of modern leadership studies, the late USC professor Warren Bennis. And over the past twenty years, I’ve been a chief storyteller for USC, during a time in which Bennis and other leaders helped it skyrocket in global reputation and productivity. I bring a different perspective to leadership--some sober perspective about the realities of being "in charge," along with advice on how to tell great stories that mobilize great communities. I've written for dozens of publications around the world, including the Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor and Japan Times. I serve as a University Fellow at USC’s Center for Public Diplomacy and am a member of the Pacific Council for International Policy. My book Leadership Is Hell (Figueroa Press, 2014) is available on Amazon; all proceeds benefit programs that make college accessible to promising LA urban schoolchildren.

The office holiday party may seem like the closest corporate cousin to Thursday night at Fraternity Row–but it can serve instead as a lawnmower cutting down the first blossoms of your promising career.

Enter Shara Senderoff, the co-founder and CEO of Intern Sushi, who’s been named by Forbes as one of “30 Under 30” leaders in technology and by Fast Company as one of the “100 Most Creative People in Business.” Shara specializes in helping millennials navigate the mazes, obstacle courses and sideways ladders of the professional world.

“While company events can be opportunities for employees to socialize and celebrate,” Shara says, “they can be tricky to navigate if it’s your first time attending.”

She says many young professionals and interns let their new hire jitters take over, causing them to commit awful party fouls and misdemeanors—such as over-indulging in alcohol, clinging to their bosses, dressing in a less-than-professional style, and so forth.

“When millennials are just starting out in their careers,” she says, “making one of these mistakes may seem like a fatal career error. However, it doesn’t have to be.”

Senderoff says that, with a little planning, young professionals can ensure their reputation stays clear when the smoke clears. Even more, they can use the parties for maximum effect in networking and advancing their careers.

A few of Shara’s tips:

Dress to impress … in the right way. “Holiday parties are a chance to further present yourself, so make sure you are polished and professional,” she says. “Dress for the occasion, and be sure to adhere to any event dress code, but don’t show skin. In other words, leave the clubbing attire at home.”

Network, network, network: “Mingle with the crowd, be social, and casually meet those you may not see every day,” she says. “You never know who you may meet, and where there may be a future career opportunity hiding.”

Limit your intake. “While it may be tempting, steer clear of the open bar, and don’t overdo it. Avoid the booze and focus on the bigger picture—like advancing your career.”

Step out, and don’t cling. “Resist the urge to follow your supervisor around,” Shara says. “Do make a point to say hello and make polite conversation, but be respectful, and make sure to give space.”

Socialize—but don’t over-share. “As you celebrate and socialize with your peers,” Shara says, “remember they’re still your co-workers, and don’t over-share your personal drama or issues. You don’t want to create an awkward work environment when you return to the office the next morning, and even worse, you risk developing a reputation of being dramatic and immature.”

And I’ll add to Shara’s list a few holiday pointers of my own: Be sensitive to individual people’s concept of the holiday season. Wish a generically happy holidays to the person whom you know is an atheist, and a very specifically merry Christmas to the colleague who hosts a lunchtime Bible study. Give gift cards or small tokens of gratitude to the maintenance people and other unsung heroes. Don’t wear ugly sweaters.

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“She says many young professionals and interns let their new hire jitters take over, causing them to commit awful party fouls and misdemeanors”

Just how is this a “millennials ” problem? Contrary to what older folk who forgot what they were like when they were young think, the so called “ millennials” are often far more business savvy than the baby boomers were at their age. They are not, as a group, incapable of good judgements and in fact it’s usually older folk who forget their manners and insult younger people. Though it is often unintentional, the self righteous attitude of some older people is far more offensive than “ugly sweaters”

Absolutely the tips which you have listed above are very practical for young professionals and interns who are stating their carriers especially for first time attending parties. They come to be acquainted how to mould in a holiday parties with their superior officials and which ladder they have to take are crystal clearly jotted by you for younger professionals for their brighter carrier opportunities.